Kris Kurnit is a Michigan native and resides in the Ann Arbor area. She was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of 24. Due to her MD, she is a full-time Amigo user, relying on its assistance every minute she is awake. Kris finds comfort in the ability to function independently with her Amigo RD. Kris retired after being a clinical psychologist for 25 years. Along with her husband, she also co-founded a biotech company to commercialize medical technology invented by him at the University of Michigan Medical School.

As a passion, Kris co-founded a nonprofit, Coalition to Cure Calpain 3 (C3), that funds research into her type of muscular dystrophy. C3 was founded in 2010 for “the specific purpose of funding research efforts focused on understanding the biology of and finding a cure for those with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy  (LGMD2A).” This organization was created by people with LGMD2A for people with LGMD2A, as both founders have this progressive disease, including Kris Kurnit.

Line in the Sand

Being a fiercely independent person, the last thing Kris Kurnit wanted to do was become a personal mobility vehicle user. The terror she felt at losing her independence kept her on her feet long after it was remotely practical. But eventually, her ability to go anywhere alone evaporated. Still, pride kept her from “giving in” to what her physician, family, and friends advised. Kris says, “the decision to purchase an Amigo was one of the hardest things I have ever done.” To do so felt like crossing a line in the sand…a line made of terror and pride. Little did Kris know what an excellent choice she was making when she eventually crossed that line and ordered an Amigo.

Finding New Independence

When her Amigo was delivered, Kris decided to ride it down to the corner store. It was during those first few minutes of sitting in her new chair and beginning to move freely that she regained a sense of independence. “How could it be that I spent so many years struggling against the inevitable?” In one fell swoop, she says, “the fight for what I thought was my independence was over, and shockingly, by giving in, I was free!” Kris Kurnit’s Amigo has features that allow her to do everything she wants to do. She thoughtfully calls her Amigo “The Beast,” and is amazed that it can go anywhere over any surface and helps assists her in many daily tasks. Including allowing her to do any cooking, for instance.

“I am almost entirely able to function without help. It is a testament to the maneuverability and reliability of this machine…my trusty steed.”

Kris Kurnit

Mobile Foodie

As a self-proclaimed “foodie,” Kris looks forward to exploring South Carolina over the coming summer months. It is an excellent way for Kris to satisfy her interest in the famous regional cuisine. She is also planning a trip to Rome, Italy, later in 2021. Above all, she is enthusiastically looking forward to seeing the historical sites firsthand and tasting authentic Italian fare. When preparing food at home, she is most attracted to comfort foods. Her favorite dish is pot roast with carrots and potatoes. A well-caramelized piece of chuck roast cooked low and slow is one of her favorite foods. In addition, add gravy, and Kris is in food heaven.

Kris Kurnit- Expression Through Art

Kris Kurnit’s best friend, Dianne, taught art for 30 years in the Ann Arbor, MI, school district. For example, she describes Dianne as “an artistic genius.” With encouragement from Dianne, Kris started taking pottery classes after her husband’s death. Since then, she has continued taking lessons for several years. Meanwhile, she started taking painting classes and is now creating wall art with a new technique. (Photo included!) Kris has welcomed the spring weather and has been practicing this technique out on her deck. She looks forward to getting together later this month with her artist friends. They plan on creating art using this new technique!

“The gratitude I feel toward Al Thieme, and his entire team cannot be overstated, for they changed my life in a most meaningful and substantial way.”

Blessings to all, Kris Kurnit

30 Years of Gratitude

Kris Kurnit has been using Amigo brand products for over 30 years. Therefore, says she would never consider using any other brand. In addition, she goes on to say, “What more can be said about a company that puts out a reliable, quality product, made in the USA, staffed by professional, skilled, and friendly people dedicated to serving the good of mankind?” Thank you, Kris. We appreciate you!